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7.1. SR 02-01-1993 ITEM 7.1. Introduction I am issuing this memorandum to provide background information related to my request to purchase three(3) Heckler and Koch MP5 carbines in 1993. The purchase of these firearms will fulfill two(2) roles which I believe are relevant to the mission of the Elk River Police Department. First, they will serve as auxiliary firearms to each patrol officers handgun and augment the shotguns currently carried by our officers during normal duty. Secondly, they will serve as primary firearms for members of the Emergency Response unit (E.R.U.) during critical incidents. . It is my intent that this memorandum provide sufficient information to allow you to make an informed decision relevant to this request. I will be happy to attend a future council meeting to answer or clarify any questions that you may have. Backqround Elk River Police Officers currently carry handguns as their primary defensive firearm while on normal assignment. Handguns provide readily accessible defense to an unexpected deadly assault; however, handguns are not reliably accurate beyond 25 yards. In general handguns also lack reliable "stopping power". Stopping power is the ability of a given round of ammunition to immediately stop the dangerous activity of a suspect, rendering them incapable of continuing their deadly assault. Recognizing the shortcomings of handguns, our officers are also equipped with 12 gauge shotguns. Shotguns fulfill a need to increase hit potential and also provide significantly increased stopping power over handguns. Shotguns are valuable tools when used within their limitations; however, they do have significant limitations. . As a patrol sergeant, firearms instructor, and E.R.U. team leader, I recognize the limitations of both handguns and shotguns. I also recognize the dangers these limitations pose to our officers, the general public, and to city administration in the form of civil liability. 720 Dodge Avenue N.W., Elk River, Minnesota 55330 · (612) 441-2324 . . . I feel that the purchase of MP 5 carbines can fill a niche not adequately filled by either handguns or shotguns. Shotcron Pros: As stated previously, shotguns perform admirably within their limitations. They fire a variety of ammunition including buckshot, slugs, teargas, and other special munitions. within 25 yards, 00 buckshot possesses excellent stopping power. Wi thin 75 yards, slugs provide accuracy and stopping power not available with handguns. Shotguns are extremely rugged and reliable; working with a minimum of maintenance. they will keep on Shotqun Cons: As with any tool, shotguns have a number of weaknesses that pose limitations on their usefulness in some situations. The shotgun by nature is less accurate when compared to a carbine (like the MP5). A 12 gauge shotgun firing rifled slugs will generally shoot five(5) inch groups at 50 yards. Compare this to one(1) inch groups at the same distance with a carbine. When 00 buck is used, the pellet dispersion beyond 25 yards is such that some pellets may miss the intended target completely, thus posing a threat to innocent by-standers in the area. Police officers and the cities that employ them are liable for every round that is fired. The powerful nature of rifled slugs may present an over penetration problem. At moderate ranges it is quite possible that a slug may pass completely through the intended target. In rural areas of the city this may not present a significant problem. In urban or residential areas it is a big problem. Shotguns are unwieldy to use in confined areas such as building searches. The shotguns used by our department are approximately 42 inches long. They are not equipped with flashlights and are a two (2) handed weapon. This poses a problem when searching darkened rooms and buildings. Shotguns are uncomfortable for most people to shoot. The heavy recoil associated with them results in flinching, jerking, and overcompensating on the part of the shooter. This has an adverse effect on accuracy. Because of the discomfort associated with the shotgun, many officers only train with it when mandated by the department. As a result, a large number of off icers are not confident using the shotgun, so it is often left in the squad when needed most. . . . Shotguns are slow to reload when compared to either semi-auto handguns or carbines. Each round of ammunition must be individually loaded into the magazine tube. Shotguns are expensive to train with, particularly when using slugs. Approximately five(5) times as much handgun/carbine ammunition may be purchased for the same cost as shotgun ammunition. Carbine Pros: Carbines are extremely accurate when compared to either handguns or shotguns. The average officer can fire a handgun accurately out to 25 yards, a shotgun slug out to 50 yards, and a carbine out to 100 yards. This makes the carbine much more flexible and the likelihood of hitting only the intended target, regardless of the distance, is enhanced. Because of the increased velocity of the pistol ammunition used in carbines, due to the longer barrel length, stopping power is increased somewhat over handguns. When used wi th appropriate ammuni tion carbines do not usually present an over penetration problem. Carbines are more compact than shotguns and are thus better suited for use in confined areas such as building searches. The MP 5 is approximately 27" long (compared to 42" long). It is equipped Tllith a sling and will be equipped with an integral flashlight. This will be advantageous in low light settings' and the sling will enable officers to use both hands, unencumbered by a weapon, should that become necessary. Carbines recoil significantly less than a shotgun. Flinching and jerking are usually not a problem and the sight picture between shots is not normally adversely affected. Officers are more comfortable with carbines and are therefore more willing to train with them. If an officer is more comfortable and familiar with a firearm, they are more likely to take it with when needed. Carbines are much easier and faster to reload than a shotgun because each reload (30 rounds) is contained in a single detachable magazine. Carbine Cons: Initial purchase and training costs may be considered a negative factor, but I feel they are out weighed by the advantage of having MP5's available. . . . Public misperception that the police are using 'machine guns' is possible. A machine gun is a fully automatic weapon firing a rifle cartridge. The MP5 carbine as used by our patrol officers will fire a pistol cartridge in semi-automatic mode. It has been the experience by most departments currently using carbines that the general public either doesn't notice the police have something other that shotguns or they aren't disturbed that the police have them. About the MP5 I am requesting that the police department purchase three (3 ) Heckler and Koch MP5 A2's with selector lockout feature and fore end flashlight. The MP5 is a 27 inch long, shoulder fired weapon chambered for the 9 mm cartridge. This is the same ammunition currently carried by 75% of the officers on the Elk River Police Department. I recommend the MP5 because its ruggedness, dependability, and accuracy is unsurpassed in a firearm of this type. Spare parts, accessories, and training are readily available. The police department currently owns one(l) MP5 and seven (7) members of the E. R. U. have already had basic familiarization training. This pre-existing familiarity will ease transition for patrol use. other departments already using the MP5 include Brooklyn Park, Maple Grove, PlYmouth, Minnetonka, and Princeton. Implementation All officers will receive familiarization training from a certified MP5 instructor. Qualif ication and refresher training will be conducted at regular intervals by department firearms instructors. The MP5's will be kept secured in the police department armory when not in use. Shift supervisors will issue them to officers at the start of each shift. The weapon will be returned to the armory at the end of each shift. While in the squad, the MP5 will be kept secured in a tamper resistant electronic lock. The MP5 will be used in accordance with the Elk River Police Department Firearms Policy. When issued for patrol use, the MP5 selector will be locked in the semi-auto mode. When deployed by the E.R.U., the selector may be unlocked at the discretion of the Chief of Police enabling selective fire. Cost The cost of three(3) MP5's and accessories will total approximately Three Thousand Dollars ($3,000.00). Training ammunition costs, . . . . . will be covered by previously approved firearms training budget funds. The normal service life of an MP5 with routine maintenance is in excess of 20 years. Conclusion No one shoulder weapon will be sui table for every si tuation. Shotguns and carbines both have a legitimate place in law enforcement. It is my sincere hope that I have provided sufficient information to justify this purchase. I recognize that this memorandum is lengthy and may be technically complex. I remain available to answer any questions that you may have.